Qiao Xuemei finally understood that the leader was giving face to the Jiang family, but not to the Jiang Xiu family; rather, he was giving face to the Jiang Wanqing family.
Why bring out those yellowed certificates now of all times? It's simply a matter of whether or not someone is willing to help. If someone is willing to help, they can get even certificates from the last century!
She lost this round again and got herself into a mess. Now she can't leave even if she wants to, and can only watch helplessly as Jiang Wanqing gradually reclaims the fruits of victory.
Jiang Jianwei was forced to retreat, almost falling on his buttocks on the bluestone steps behind him, and was forced to look up at Jiang Wanqing.
"Don't push your luck. There are only two people in your family right now, and we're taking care of your grandmother, who's an elderly woman. Are you suggesting we switch rooms with your parents instead of living in the main house?!"
Jiang Xiu's mother actually felt that it was only natural for them to live in the main house and had no intention of backing down.
Without answering her question, Jiang Wanqing stared straight at her, the face of a beneficiary always so ugly! If it weren't for her parents' years of not fighting or grabbing, they wouldn't deserve to live in this house at all.
"You...do you have any conscience at all?!"
Seeing that she showed no sign of backing down, Jiang Xiu pulled Yuan Zhong forward to reprimand her as well.
“The old Party Secretary said we’re family. Yuan Zhonggang and I are married. Do you expect me to live with him in the educated youth settlement? The main house isn’t big enough to live in. Why should I have to switch places with your family?”
"This house belongs to my grandmother. Don't you understand what the brigade leader is saying? Why don't you try and see if I dare to throw your things out!"
Jiang Wanqing was even more assertive than them, leaving no room for negotiation. The scene was deadlocked, and the villagers' expressions varied. Jiang Jianguo tugged at her arm.
"Or perhaps..."
“It doesn’t count!” Jiang Wanqing said firmly to her father, “Have you forgotten the grievances our family has suffered over the years? When have they ever shown us any sympathy?”
He lowered his head, speechless. Reflecting on the years of strained family ties, he realized it was indeed unequal. His one-sided sacrifices only resulted in moral blackmail. Because he was the eldest brother and the stepson, he had given up countless benefits. Now, he and his wife lived miserably in a leaky, empty livestock shed. He himself suffered, and he also dragged his wife and daughter down with him…
What should be taken back will be taken back, and what should be defended will be defended—that is her attitude.
The brigade leader glanced at the old Party Secretary subconsciously. He thought that if both sides compromised, the matter would be over. He didn't expect Jiang Wanqing, a girl, to be so assertive, making everyone feel awkward and embarrassed.
He raised his hand, about to say a few words to mediate, but the old Party Secretary stopped him and shook his head.
“Everyone must take responsibility for their actions. If Sister Zeng knew that her descendants would be mistreated after her death, she would not rest in peace.”
"But this Sister Zeng you mentioned, she doesn't have a class background..."
"If you don't understand, then don't ask."
The brigade leader shut his mouth, listened to the old Party Secretary and didn't interrupt, letting the Jiang family handle it themselves, even ignoring Jiang Jianwei's pleading look.
"Wanqing, please ask your uncle and aunt to postpone this matter. Moving things will take time, and today is Xiuer's special day. Could you please make an exception?"
Jiang Xiu's mother was quite adaptable; seeing the situation was turning against her, she changed her tune again, which even made her own brother laugh. Afraid of losing face, he left the table early.
Jiang Wanqing shook off his hand and curled her lips into a smile. Just when the other person thought she was about to give in, she shook her head.
“No! Finish moving it today. I’ll keep an eye on you. I’ve found you a helper in case you get tired.” She turned around and called out, “Uncle Shuan, get started. The payment will be as agreed with you.”
Uncle Shuan had been watching from the crowd. When he saw that the little girl had indeed undergone a complete transformation, he was extremely gratified. He immediately rushed out of the crowd and rolled up his sleeves.
"I'm good at moving, and whether I get paid or not is another matter. I just can't stand seeing honest people being bullied by scoundrels!"
"Old Shuan, what are you doing, making a scene like this! You dare touch my things and see what happens!"
Unable to do anything with Jiang Wanqing, Jiang Jianwei vented his anger on Uncle Shuan, but Uncle Shuan wouldn't listen to him at all.
"Hmph, the old Party Secretary and the brigade leader are both watching. I won't fight you, I'll just reason with you. This house belongs to Jianguo's biological mother. You've lived here for decades without moving and even kicked out her own son. Now you're unhappy about moving to another house? Then why don't you move out?"
"You...you better stop chasing after things!"
"This old dog is going to take you rats today! If you won't move them, I will!"
Seeing this, Old Sister Gu tried to use the same trick again, pretending to be sick and fainting. Jiang Wanqing saw this in time and smiled at Qiao Xuemei.
"There's someone here who needs emergency care. Dr. Qiao won't just stand by and do nothing, will he?"
The person was being roasted over a fire; if Qiao Xuemei "didn't help," she would be drowned in everyone's spittle.
She had no choice but to reluctantly step forward and help Old Mrs. Gu steady herself, then pretended to perform a few first aid maneuvers.
Pretending to be dead won't work, pretending to faint won't work, crying and making a scene won't work, and reasoning won't get you anywhere. At her advanced age, Old Mrs. Gu could only watch as her son and daughter-in-law were driven out of the main house, along with her belongings, which were also thrown out.
Jiang Wanqing kicked aside a tattered bundle at her feet and looked at her parents.
"Mom and Dad, let's move your things. You'll be living in the main house from now on."
Xue He's eyes were filled with tears. She supported her daughter's actions. She had always felt that her husband was too weak, but she dared not say so because of their marital relationship. This time, she finally got her revenge.
“Good daughter, your grandma would be so happy to have such a strong-willed and decisive granddaughter as you.”
Some were happy while others were sad. Jiang Xiu was furious about the marriage. She took off the plastic flower from her hair, threw it on the ground, stomped on it twice, and dragged Yuan Zhong away.
"Let's go!"
They caught up with Qiao Xuemei, who hadn't gone far in the chaos, and blocked her path.
What are you trying to do?
"Most of the ideas today came from you, so you have to take responsibility for us!"
Jiang Xiu's shamelessness wasn't just directed at Jiang Wanqing; she treated everyone indiscriminately, including Qiao Xuemei.
"What responsibility?"
"We have nowhere to live now, and we can't stay in the village anymore. We want to move to the city!"
She made her demands without hesitation, causing Qiao Xuemei to frown deeply, her slight apology turning into sarcasm.
"What can you do in the city? Will you have a job or a place to stay? Do you expect me to bail you out? Jiang Wanqing was right, your skin is incredibly thick!"
"I want you to help Yuan Zhong find a decent job. He has a high school diploma, so becoming a teacher shouldn't be a problem. I know you're capable of doing that. Also, find us a place to live. If you don't agree, I'll report what you've been teaching us to your workplace. Then we'll see who suffers more, you or me, who has nothing to lose!"
Yuan Zhong, disgusted by Jiang Xiu's vulgarity, endured his revulsion and continued to stand with her. If she could actually help him get an opportunity, then she would be of some use...
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